Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House near University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital

About Our House

Ronald McDonald House near University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital opened its doors on September 13, 1986 as the second Ronald McDonald House in Chicago.

The staff and volunteers of this 22 bedroom House are proud to have welcomed more than 7,700 families from across the the world over the past 20 years, half of whom have returned to stay at the House many times, totaling almost 15,000 visits.

In 2007, the House was re-located & re-built to better serve its families. Each bedroom has its own private bath, and the House offers parking and ample common areas for families to relax and make themselves at home. It’s just a short walk or shuttle away from University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital.

There are so many ways you can help. From preparing a meal for families staying at one of our Houses, to helping with house work, we rely on the time and talent of our volunteers to reach our goals! No matter how you choose to help, you’re always welcome. Please choose from the options below to complete the volunteer application.

Become a House VolunteerWe’re always looking for help around the House! Become a family ambassador and help check our families into their rooms. Organize an activity like arts & crafts or story time! If you like to use your hands, come help us with projects like changing light bulbs or fixing broken items in the house. Our beautiful garden always needs watering, come help us weed, water and plant. We have so many opportunities to help our families. Click the link above to complete the Volunteer Application!

Meals from the Heart “The kitchen is the heart of every home”. The meals provided by generous volunteers bring love into the House everyday, allowing families to unwind, de-stress and fortify their bodies to be at their best for their child in the hospital. Meals from the Heart volunteers work as a group (up to 10 people) to plan the menu, purchase the ingredients, and prepare the meal in our fully equipped kitchen, allowing families to find nourishment and comfort in the shared kitchen. Please note: ALL food must be prepared in our kitchen or brought directly from a commercial kitchen. Par-baked or pre-prepared food will not be able to be served. CLICK HEREto check availability on our calendar, watch a video about cooking at the House, and apply to provide a meal.

Nothing beats the smell of homemade cookies baking in the oven to remind you of home. Cookies from the Heart volunteers (up to 10 people) work in our kitchen between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and make cookies from scratch for our families to enjoy. Groups provide the ingredients and bake in our kitchens so when the families return from a day at the hospital, they can help themselves to a cookie or two. Usually we ask that volunteers make three dozen or more of your favorite cookie recipe. CLICK HEREto check kitchen availability and apply to be a Cookies from the Heart volunteer.